Rosenlunds rosarium and herrgård

Rosenlunds Herrgård and Rosarium has a scenic location in the eastern part of Jönköping. It’s situated in an old and culturally significant area and boasts 550 different rose varieties, plus it is within walking distance to Vätternstranden. There are also exotic trees and beautiful perennial plants to be found there.

Rosenlund's Rosarium is one of the world's most visited rose gardens, and achieved recognition when, as Sweden’s first rosarium, it won the ‘Award of Garden Excellence’ in 2022.

Roses in bloom

Throughout the summer, the rosarium is a delight to wander around in. The early flowering roses bloom from May to midsummer. The peak of flowering season occurs in July when many of the climbing roses and old-fashioned shrub roses are in bloom. From August onwards, the modern bedding and shrub roses flower, as well as the old-fashioned roses that bloom once more. The rose garden contains around 550 varieties: old-fashioned and newer shrub roses, climbing and ground cover roses, wild species and cultivated bedding roses. These are surrounded by tight, low boxwood hedges. The park also has some beautiful ornamental trees and a collection of peonies, clematis and perennials to enjoy. Mediterranean and seasonal plants adorn the area during spring and summer.

History of Rosenlunds Herrgård and Rosarium

Rosenlunds Herrgård has been used as everything from a private residence to a youth club. After being closed for several years, the manor house is now used for weddings, conferences, meetings and cultural events.

The Gustavian manor house is one of Jönköping's most famous older buildings. It is beautifully situated with a far-reaching view across Lake Vättern. The manor is a good example of the types of country house that were built around the city in the 18th century.

The main building was completed in 1788, and the first owner was Gustaf Mauritz Posse, who was vice president in the Göta Court of Appeal. He was known as something of a reformer in Swedish agriculture and Rosenlunds Herregård became a model farm in the region. The property remained in the Posse family for a long time but has been owned by Jönköping municipality since 1936.

There is documentation from 1820, including testimony from County Governor Hierta, that the buildings were surrounded by beautiful plantings and a garden.

The first rosarium was created in 1978 on the eastern side of the manor house and has since been rebuilt and expanded. Today, Rosenlund's rosarium is a popular destination and the facility serves as a regional clone archive for roses within the Programme for Cultivated Diversity (POM).

Posse Park

When the Posse family created Rosenlund in the 1780s, they also created a French-style garden. There are no descriptions of the park, but in the 2010s the manor's immediate surroundings were surveyed and this showed that the park had been equipped with straight gravel paths, paved surfaces, plantings, hot-beds, fishponds, terrace walls and possibly also an orangery for overwintering sensitive plants. Today, the park has been renovated and landscaped back to the original design of the park from the 18th century.

Guided tours for the public

The Rosenlund Rosarium is open 24 hours a day and admission is free. Throughout the summer, from May to September, visitors can book a guided tour of the area. The guides are both knowledgeable and entertaining. There are three different walks to choose from, a park walk, a rosarium walk and an historical walk. There is also an audio guide to the area, available all year round. More information about the guided tours and how to book can be found on Jönköping municipality’s website External link, opens in new window..

Historical walking theatre

During the summer, you can experience Rosenlund Manor in a new way through a vibrant and educational walking theatre performance. The show takes you on a historical journey through the manor grounds, where professional actors and young talents in period costumes portray figures from the manor’s past. You’ll hear stories of everyday life, celebrations, and gardening. The walking theatre takes place in the blooming park, lasts about an hour, moves at a gentle pace, and is suitable for adults and children aged 10 and up. The performance is written and directed by playwright Emy Stahl and is staged twice daily, five days a week. Between shows, the actors interact with visitors in the park, bringing the area to life. More information and tickets can be found on Jönköping municipality’s website. External link.

Summer café

In summer there is a café in Rosenlund Herrgård where you can sit amongst the fragrant flowers and enjoy home baked goods, coffee, ice creams and sandwiches. The summer café is open every day from 10.00-17.00 during weeks 26-33 (roughly the last week of June to the middle of July).

You are welcome to bring a picnic to the park and there are many places where you can sit down to enjoy it. Even in winter, you can still enjoy the treats on offer in the café as a Christmas market is organised here every year.

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